Congressional Newsletters

RAND Congressional newsletters and alerts highlight our research on the most relevant issues in the public policy debate. See the most recent issues below.

Military Strategy
The Future of Warfare in 2030
Jun 26, 2020

What will future conflicts look like in 2030? A new RAND series seeks to answer this question by examining the factors that shape conflict, including trends in geopolitics, the global economy, and even climate change.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 and Education: RAND Resources
Jun 11, 2020

RAND researchers have examined several aspects of pandemics, including COVID-19, in relation to education issues. Policymakers may find some recent examples helpful as they continue to look into policy responses to COVID-19.
Medicare
Public Options for Individual Health Insurance
Jun 1, 2020

There has been growing interest at the state and federal levels in a "public option" for individual market insurance. According to a new report, offering a public option for people who buy their own insurance could lower the cost of premiums, but on its own it is unlikely to substantially increase the overall number of people with coverage.
Military Strategy
Establishing an Enduring Commitment in Iraq
May 29, 2020

Recent events have caused uncertainty about the future of the U.S. military's presence in Iraq. However, these setbacks should be viewed in a larger context: U.S. interests could suffer if strategic competition in Iraq is abandoned.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Decision-Support Tool for Policymakers
May 4, 2020

To slow the spread of COVID-19, state and local leaders have implemented a range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to protect communities. Now, policymakers face tough questions about when to relax or lift interventions, and how to weigh the economic cost of prolonged mitigation measures against the risk of a second wave of the crisis.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
What Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Mean for the Defense Budget?
Apr 30, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a dramatic toll on the economy, and government relief efforts have increased the federal deficit. What could this crisis mean for defense spending?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 and Education: RAND Resources
Apr 9, 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is disrupting nearly every facet of daily life--including education. The nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation has examined several aspects of pandemics, including COVID-19, in relation to education issues.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Critical Care Surge Response Strategies for the COVID-19 Outbreak
Apr 7, 2020

U.S. hospitals can prepare for a surge of patients critically ill with COVID-19, but it will require hospital leaders, practitioners and regional officials to adopt drastic measures that challenge the standard way of providing care.
Russia
Why Should the New START Agreement Be Extended?
Mar 31, 2020

Only one nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia remains: the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). But that agreement expires next year.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
In Case You Missed It: How Does COVID-19 Impact Small and Medium-Sized Businesses?
Mar 24, 2020

Social distancing is the only current public health tool to contain the spread of COVID-19, but it will negatively impact small and medium-sized businesses. RAND's Jennifer Bouey shares some policy options to support these businesses and their employees.
Pandemic
RAND COVID-19 Resources
Mar 13, 2020

As nationwide community spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increases, policymakers are grappling with what actions are appropriate and necessary to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on communities, the economy, the nation's health, and the U.S. health care system.
Russia
What Provokes Putin's Russia?
Feb 27, 2020

Deterring Russia without provoking it requires an understanding of what Russia considers to be redlines. A deterrent that is too heavy-handed might prompt the precise response that it sought to avoid.